Legal Research and Writing Case Study

Joe and Pete are roommates and computer consultants. In order to save money, both Joe and Pete share the same computer. Even though they are both in their forties, they spend a lot of time discussing having sex with high school age girls. Joe, unknowing to Pete, uses Pete’s screen name and initiates a relationship on-line with a 14-year-old girl. After gaining the girl’s confidence, Joe tells Pete about the situation. Pete agrees to join Joe when he goes to meet the girl. They bring their digital camera with the intent of taking compromising pictures of the girl. It turns out that the girl is really a member of the local police cybercrime police unit. When confronted Joe and Pete tell the police that they were conducting research for their computer consulting business.

What federal statutes may have Joe and Peter violated?

If Joe and Pete are charged with a crime(s) for the conduct described above, what possible defenses may Joe and Peter raise?

Utilizing the course material, including the information provided in the eText, explain in detail the necessary methodology a researcher would utilize in locating applicable federal statutes to the possible criminal aspect of the above fact pattern.